Phillies’ Herrera banned

Major League Baseball has suspended Phillies’ outfielder Odubel Herrera for violating the league’s Domestic Violence policy.

Herrera will be suspended for the rest of the season and will not appeal the suspension.

The Phillies released the following statement on the suspension:

“The Phillies fully support the decision by the Commissioner’s Office to suspend Odubel Herrera for violating MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence policy. All instances of domestic violence and abuse are abhorrent and unacceptable, and we unequivocally support Baseball’s collective efforts to prevent abuse. We are encouraged by Odubel’s acceptance of his discipline as an indication of his willingness to learn from this and change his behavior appropriately.”

After the suspension was ruled, the Major League Baseball Players Association released the following statement on Herrera’s behalf:

“Today, I accepted a suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my inappropriate behavior. I acted in an unacceptable manner and am terribly disappointed in myself. I alone am to blame for my actions. I’ve taken meaningful steps to assure that nothing like this will ever happen again. I have learned from this experience, and I have grown as a person. I apologize to the Phillies’ organization, my teammates, and all my fans.”

Legal charges were dropped against the 27-yearold on Wednesday after his 20-year-old girlfriend Melany Martinez-Angulo declined to proceed with the case in court. MLB’s decision stands apart from the legal ruling.

In May Herrera allegedly assaulted his girlfriend at an Atlantic City hotel. Police reported Martinez-Angulo had “visible sings of injury” on her arms and neck.